Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted that he admires Lyon playmaker Yohan Gourcuff, but will not make a move for him in the January transfer window.
The North London club have been linked with a bid for the France international in the past, and reports in France have indicated that the English side were readying a January offer for Goucuff.
Wenger has poured cold water on these claims, despite respecting the midfielder’s abilities.
“He is a player I like a lot and I believe people have been very critical towards him in France,” Wenger told Canal+.
“However, we won’t be in the winter market for any midfield positions considering that our players are back from injuries.”
When quizzed on the potential for joining Arsenal, Gourcuff distanced himself from speculation and maintained that he is focussed on excelling for club and country.
“I am a Lyon player,” he said.
“My objective is to achieve a very good second part of the season with Lyon which could allow me to play at Euro 2012.”
Arsenal have Jack Wilshere on the mend and penciled in for a January return, to add to Wenger’s centre midfield options of Mikel Arteta, Aaron Ramsey and Alex Song.
By Gareth McKnight
Football News 24/7
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